Ramigekko

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Swartberg leaf-toed gecko

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Gekkonidae
Genus: Ramigekko
Heinicke, Daza, Greenbaum, Jackman & Bauer, 2014
Species:
R. swartbergensis
Binomial name
Ramigekko swartbergensis
(Haacke, 1996)
Synonyms
  • Afrogecko swartbergensis
  • Phyllodactylus swartbergensis

Ramigekko swartbergensis, sometimes called the Swartberg (African) leaf-toed gecko, is a species of African gecko which is a localized endemic of the Cape Fold Belt in South Africa.[2] It is monotypic in the genus Ramigekko.

Anatomy

Like other "leaf-toed" geckoes, they have a single pair of enlarged adhesive pads on the terminally end of each digit. Only this species however has smoothed and flattened tubercles on its dorsal parts.[3] The head has a deeper contour and some cranial differences (fusion of nasal and parietal bones) set them apart from most other gecko species.[4]

Range and habitat

It is found along the crests of the

a.s.l.[5]
They occur in protected areas and are not endangered.

Habits

They hide in rock cracks or under rock flakes, emerging to feed on insects. Like all "leaf-toed" geckoes they are nocturnal and lay hard-shelled eggs, which are deposited in clutches of two.[3]

References